Caravaggio ' Was Killed By The Knights Of Malta'

His mysterious death at the age of 38 has been blamed variously on malaria, an intestinal infection, lead poisoning from the oil paints he used or a violent brawl.

Now an intriguing new theory has been put forward for the demise of the rabble-rousing Renaissance artist Caravaggio -- that he was killed in cold blood on the orders of the Knights of Malta to avenge an attack on one of their members.